Amtrak Meal Availability Checker
Check if your Amtrak route includes free meals with Roomette bookings. Meals are included only on long-distance routes with sleeper cars.
When you book a Roomette on Amtrak, you’re not just buying a bed on wheels-you’re signing up for a different kind of travel experience. The kind where you watch the Rockies roll by while sipping coffee, and dinner arrives at your door without you having to lift a finger. But here’s the question everyone asks: Are meals free on Amtrak Roomette? The short answer is yes. But there’s more to it than just a yes or no.
What’s Included in a Roomette Fare
Amtrak’s Roomette is one of two sleeper options on long-distance routes, the other being the Bedroom. Both come with a private space, a fold-down bed, a toilet, and a sink. But the big perk? Meals. When you book a Roomette, your ticket price includes all meals during your trip. That means breakfast, lunch, and dinner-served in the dining car or delivered to your room.
This isn’t a snack pack or a boxed sandwich. These are full meals prepared by onboard chefs. Think grilled chicken with roasted vegetables, pan-seared salmon, or a hearty beef stew. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are always available if you request them ahead of time. You don’t need to pay extra. You don’t need to tip unless you want to. The meals are part of the package.
How Meal Service Works on Amtrak
It’s not like a restaurant where you walk in and order. On Amtrak, the dining car operates on a schedule, and your meals are assigned based on your seating time. When you check in at the station, you’ll be asked if you prefer early seating (around 5:30-6:30 PM) or late seating (around 7:30-8:30 PM). This determines when you’ll eat dinner. Breakfast and lunch are served on a first-come, first-served basis in the dining car, or you can request room service.
Roomette passengers can also have meals brought directly to their room. Just let the attendant know before dinner time. They’ll bring your tray, set it up, and clear it away when you’re done. No need to get dressed. No need to find the dining car. It’s a quiet, personal experience.
What’s on the Menu?
Amtrak doesn’t serve gourmet cuisine, but the food is consistently better than most airline meals. The menu changes seasonally and varies by route, but here’s what you can typically expect:
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs with ham or sausage, pancakes, oatmeal, fruit, coffee, juice
- Lunch: Grilled cheese with tomato soup, chicken salad sandwich, pasta with marinara, fresh salad
- Dinner: Roast beef with mashed potatoes, baked cod with lemon butter, vegetarian lasagna, apple pie for dessert
Drinks are included too-coffee, tea, soda, and juice are free with meals. Alcohol is extra. A glass of wine or a beer costs about $8-$12, depending on the route. You’re allowed to bring your own alcohol onboard, but you can only drink it in your room, not in the dining car or public areas.
Roomette vs. Bedroom: Does the Meal Benefit Change?
Not at all. Whether you book a Roomette or a Bedroom, the meal service is identical. The Bedroom is larger, has a private shower, and can fit two people, but the food is the same. Some travelers think upgrading to a Bedroom gets them better meals, but that’s not true. Amtrak doesn’t tier the food by room type. Your meal quality depends on the route and the chef on duty-not how much you paid.
What you do get with a Bedroom is more space to spread out, a private bathroom, and the ability to have a second person join you without paying for a second Roomette. But if you’re traveling solo and just want a quiet place to sleep with meals included, the Roomette is the smarter choice.
What’s Not Included
Just because meals are free doesn’t mean everything is. Here’s what you’ll still pay for:
- Alcohol (wine, beer, cocktails)
- Snacks from the café car (chips, candy, sandwiches)
- Special dietary requests made on the spot (Amtrak accommodates allergies, but custom meals like keto or paleo aren’t guaranteed unless requested in advance)
- Laundry service (yes, it exists on some long-distance routes)
- Wi-Fi (it’s available but slow and unreliable on most routes)
You’ll also need to bring your own toiletries. Roomettes have basic amenities like soap and towels, but no shampoo, toothpaste, or razors. Bring your own if you care about those details.
Real Traveler Experience: A 3-Day Trip from Chicago to New Orleans
Last summer, I took the City of New Orleans route from Chicago to New Orleans. I booked a Roomette because I wanted to avoid the airport and get to my destination without stress. The meals were the highlight.
Breakfast on day two was a perfectly cooked omelet with cheddar and green peppers, served with warm biscuits and honey butter. Lunch was a shrimp po’boy with pickled okra-authentic Southern flavor, no exaggeration. Dinner was braised short ribs with creamy polenta. I didn’t order anything special. I just said yes to whatever they brought.
The attendant remembered my name by day two. She knew I liked my coffee black and that I preferred my steak medium. That kind of service doesn’t happen on planes. Or buses. Or even most hotels.
When Meals Aren’t Included
There’s one big exception: short-distance routes. If you’re taking Amtrak’s Northeast Regional, Capitol Corridor, or Pacific Surfliner-trips under 5 hours-you won’t get meals included, even if you’re in a Roomette. Those routes don’t have sleeper cars at all. Roomettes only exist on long-distance routes like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Texas Eagle.
Always check your route before booking. Amtrak’s website clearly labels which trains have sleeper cars and which don’t. If you see “Coach” only, skip it. You won’t get meals.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Meals
- Book early. Meal times fill up fast, especially on popular routes like the Coast Starlight.
- Request dietary needs when you book, not when you board. Amtrak needs 48 hours to prepare special meals.
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Tap water on trains is safe to drink, and refilling it saves money.
- Don’t skip breakfast. It’s the best meal of the day on the train-fresh, hot, and served with a view.
- If you’re traveling with someone, split a dinner. Portions are generous. You’ll leave full.
Is It Worth It?
Roomette fares start at around $300-$500 one-way, depending on the route and season. That’s more than a coach ticket, but less than a hotel plus a flight. And when you factor in meals, you’re getting three full meals a day-something you’d pay $40-$60 for in a decent restaurant.
Think of it this way: You’re paying for comfort, convenience, and a slow, scenic way to travel. The meals are part of that experience. They’re not an add-on. They’re the reason people choose Amtrak over flying.
If you’ve ever sat in an airport terminal eating a $12 sandwich and wondered if there’s a better way-there is. Take the train. Book a Roomette. Let them bring you dinner.
Are meals really free on Amtrak Roomette?
Yes. When you book a Roomette on a long-distance Amtrak route, your ticket includes all meals-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-served in the dining car or delivered to your room. There’s no extra charge.
Do I need to tip the dining staff?
Tipping is not required, but it’s appreciated. Many travelers leave $5-$10 per meal for the attendant who serves them. It’s a personal choice, not a rule.
Can I bring my own food on Amtrak?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. But if you’re in a Roomette, there’s no reason to. The meals are included and usually better than what you’d pack. You’re allowed to bring alcohol, but you can only drink it in your room.
Are meals the same in Roomette and Bedroom?
Yes. Amtrak doesn’t offer different meals based on room type. Whether you’re in a Roomette or a Bedroom, you get the same menu, same portions, same service.
What if I have food allergies?
Amtrak accommodates major allergies like nuts, dairy, and gluten. You must request special meals when booking, not at the station. They prepare meals in advance, so last-minute requests may not be possible.
Do all Amtrak trains have free meals in Roomette?
No. Only long-distance routes with sleeper cars offer free meals. Short-distance trains like Northeast Regional or Pacific Surfliner don’t have sleeper cars at all, so no meals are included.
Next Steps: How to Book a Roomette with Meals
If you’re ready to try it, go to Amtrak’s website and search for long-distance routes: California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Texas Eagle, or Crescent. Filter by “Sleeper” and pick Roomette. You’ll see the price include meals automatically. Book at least 2-3 weeks ahead for the best rates and meal time choices.
There’s no hidden fee. No surprise charges. Just a train, a room, and three meals a day-all waiting for you.